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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFD - 25-01168 – Signature Student Housing Skybridge - 1st S 1st W - CUP(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Reason for Decision 25-01168 – Signature Student Housing Skybridge - 1st S 1st W - CUP 1. October 28, 2025, An application was created for a CUP for Bart Stevens for Signature Student Housing Skybridge 2. October 29, 2025, Application paperwork was completed. 3. October 29, 2025, Payment was received for the application. 4. October 29, 2025, Staff Reviews were assigned. 5. October 30, 2025, Staff Reviews were completed. 6. October 31, 2025, Notice was sent to the newspaper to be published on November 4, 2025 & November 11, 2025. 7. November 14, 2025, Staff Report was completed. 8. November 4, 2025, Notice was mailed to all property owners within 350’. 9. November 10, 2025, Notice was posted on the property. 10. November 20, 2025, the application was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Public Hearing – (25-01168) – Signature Student Housing Skybridge – CUP – Located at approximately 1st S 1st W, the application is to allow a skybridge in a CCT zone. – Bart Stevens (Action) Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this meeting relative to this particular subject. Presentation: Planner Baldwin presented the proposal involving redevelopment of several properties near Hemming Village, including student housing, within the City Center Transect (CCT) zone. The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under consideration is specifically for a skybridge that will cross West 1st South. Planner Baldwin explained that the city recently adopted skybridge regulations after consulting with Public Works, Fire, and Legal departments. These standards are now part of the code. The Commission clarified that, unlike zone changes, CUP reviews consider the proposed project and its final design. Renderings and a 3D model of the project were available for review. The project will be one of the first developments under the new form-based zoning and is intended for single BYU Idaho student housing. Location (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org references included nearby landmarks such as Porter Park, Hemming Village, and the former accounting office building. The applicant, Bart Stevens, thanked staff for their work on developing the skybridge ordinance, explaining that the project originated from a need to safely connect two student housing buildings and reduce pedestrian traffic on the street. The bridge will serve approximately 324 residents and is designed to improve safety and convenience. He noted that the ordinance was intentionally drafted to be general and not tied to a specific project, with individual proposals reviewed under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Mr. Stevens addressed prior concerns about clearance for trucks and semis, confirming that the skybridge will connect the third floors of two student housing buildings and provide 18 feet of clearance above the street, exceeding the minimum requirement of 16 feet 6 inches. The bridge will span 103 feet without structural supports in the public right- of-way. It will be fully enclosed, heated, and sprinkler-protected for safety and weather protection. No signage or advertising will be placed on the bridge. Amenities will primarily be located in the women’s building, including fitness facilities, music and study areas, lounges, and a bishop’s office, while the men’s building will focus on housing. The bridge will allow residents to move between buildings without going outside. Access will be controlled for safety, consistent with ordinance requirements, and the university has provided a letter of support for the project. Mr. Stevens explained that recent policy changes now allow men’s and women’s housing buildings to connect if a shared amenity space exists, making this project possible. He stated that the easement for the bridge is tied to the life of the building under the CUP and will expire if the structure is removed or falls into disrepair, ensuring no permanent abandonment of public right-of-way. Site planning has accounted for utilities and curb cuts to avoid future road disruption. Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 7:13 pm. Favor: none Neutral: Greg Newkirk stated that most of his questions were answered during the presentation. While he still has some curiosity about project details, he noted these do not need to be addressed in this meeting. He expressed full support for the design, particularly because the CUP is tied to the building rather than the land, and commended the thoroughness of the planning. He reported having no concerns about the proposal. Opposed: none Written Correspondence: none Rebuttal: none (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 7:15 pm. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioners discussed the proposed skybridge CUP, noting that they had previously reviewed the new ordinance and its requirements. Members expressed appreciation for staff’s efforts in researching similar regulations in other cities and ensuring the ordinance was legally sound and adaptable for future projects. Commissioners agreed the project would improve pedestrian safety by reducing street crossings and could inspire creative solutions in other urban areas. Commissioner Thackeray acknowledged mixed feelings about changes to the area but supported the proposal, stating it was well thought out. Commissioner Geddes highlighted the benefit of safely accommodating 324 students moving between buildings. MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Signature Student Housing Skybridge CUP because the application meets all staff requirements and aligns with the new ordinance. Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richard, Seconded by McKay Francis. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried/lost. (Summary: Yes = 7, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: none 11. December 3, 2025, application was presented to City Council. Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a skybridge located at approximately 1st S and 1st W in the City Center Transect (CCT) zone #25-01168 – Alan Parkinson Action Item P&Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Conditional Use Permit for a skybridge located at approximately 1st South and 1st West in the City Center Transect (CCT) zone. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a skybridge located at approximately 1st South and 1st West in the City Center Transect (CCT); Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried.